I too had the six week induction chemo (Taxol and Carboplatinum) after which I had chemo and radiation combined. My doctor also had me on Xeloda, an oral chemo drug that converts into 5-FU at the site of the tumor. My experience was a lot like Brett's and, if anything, was a bit easier. The Xeloda gave me heartburn so the oncologist put me on Nexium which I think may have helped the overall stomach issues. I got a portacath since my veins are nonexistent and that made the weekly session fairly nontraumatic; the worse part was actually the Benadryl (the antihistamine) which made me feel a bit high and quite sleepy.

My overall protocol was based on one from a study at Northwestern. I should be clear that I'm not strictly an oral cancer; my tumor originated in the supraglottal part of my larynx and extended up the hypopharynx to just below my tonsil. That said, after the induction chemo, the ENT said I had had a "complete" response. I did go on to radiation and chemo and the radiation experience was more challenging because of the extensive chemo (I was really softened up by then).

I'm now just over six months post-treatment; all is going well and my followups have all been successful. Aside from the standard dry mouth, I'm really pretty much back to normal.

Hope this helps.
Laura